Scientists have been investigating the causes of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a type of eating disorder that is closely linked to anxiety and autism, to find out whether it may have a genetic basis. This relatively new diagnosis, which was officially recognized in 2013, is characterized by an aversion to or a lack of interest in food, leading to weight loss and stunted growth. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by a desire to lose weight and is diagnosed at any weight.
According to the National Eating Disorder Association, individuals with ARFID limit their food intake in terms of either quantity or type, and this restrictive eating pattern is not related to body image. Kamryn Eddy, co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, says that ARFID is different from picky eating as it is not a choice, it is not the fault of the patient, and it is not simply picky eating.
Recent research from Sweden, which was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry on February 1st, found that ARFID may have a genetic link. The study, which was conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institute, analyzed data from nearly 17,000 pairs of twins in Sweden, including 682 children with ARFID. The results showed that 79% of the risk of developing ARFID can be explained by genetics. The genetic component of ARFID was found to be stronger than other eating disorders, and its heritability was found to be on par with that of autism and ADHD, which are both risk factors for ARFID along with anxiety.
According to Eddy, there has been a significant increase in research into ARFID and demand for treatment in recent years. She says that many patients are relieved to have a name for the condition they have been struggling with and that the recommended treatment involves directly challenging food avoidance and restrictive eating through exposure therapy. In her experience, Eddy says that most patients are able to improve their diet and well-being with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In conclusion, the study of twins has helped researchers to understand that ARFID may have a genetic basis and that the genetic component of ARFID is stronger than that of other eating disorders. The recommended treatment for ARFID is exposure therapy, which has been shown to be effective in improving the diet and well-being of patients. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, it is important to seek help and support, and the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline (1-800-931-2237) is available on weekdays for support, resources, and information about treatment options. In crisis situations, NEDA offers 24/7 support by texting "NEDA" to 741741.
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